It’s already been pretty hot this summer and while this July is expected to be cooler than usual, it’s still, well, July. Even at an outside temperature of 60 degrees, the temperature inside your car can reach 110 degrees.
We at On Time Logistics travel in our vehicles every day and know how quickly it can get hot inside once the air conditioning is off. We have a few tips for keeping your family (including pets) and valuables safe during this hot summer.
Protecting family first in heat
People of all ages, but especially the young and elderly, are at risk for illness and death if left in a hot car. The same is true for pets of any species.
- Never leave a child in a car alone, even with the windows down. Children can die when their temperature reaches 107 but they will become seriously ill much quicker than that.
- If someone other than you takes your child somewhere, make sure your child arrived safely (such as to daycare or somewhere you might normally take the child).
- Get in the habit of checking the backseat before leaving your car, even when your child isn’t with you at the moment. The habit could save your child’s life.
- If you see a child alone in a car, only wait a couple of minutes before calling for help. If the child seems to be lethargic or unresponsive, call for help immediately.
- Never leave your pets in the vehicle, even with the windows down for “just a minute.”
- If you have to run errands that require you to leave the car, leave your pet at home. It doesn’t matter if he or she “likes” to ride in the car with you.
- Consider window shades to keep the heat out even when the AC is on. This will keep your children and pets happier and healthier.
Protecting valuables in the heat
Life is always more important, but you should also protect your possessions from the heat inside cars. Here are a few items that the heat inside a car can damage:
- Bottled water can become contaminated by chemicals used to make the plastic bottles that can leach into the water.
- Electronics including GPS units, iPads, laptops and cell phones are damaged by heat
- CDs, DVDs, and (if you still have them!) plastic cassette tapes can easily receive permanent damage from heat
- The frames and lenses of your sunglasses can warp.
- Any kind of crayons, meltable food or makeup that is left in the car will melt or rot
- Some items such as plastic disposable lighters and aerosol cans can explode from the heat.
Our couriers know the right protocols for transporting medical supplies, documents and any other item our clients need. If you need help transporting important items, give us a call.